Edo forest guards urged to deny criminals safe havens

Edo State Commissioner for Security and Public Safety Festus Ebea on Monday urged 497 newly recruited forest guards to use their knowledge of local communities to deny criminals hiding places and strengthen efforts to tackle insecurity across the state.

Speaking at the passing-out parade for the recruits at the Nigerian Police Training School in Ogida Barracks, Benin City, Ebea said the guards would serve as first responders and community protectors in their respective local government areas.

“You are indigenous to your respective local government areas and possess the ultimate tactical advantage of terrain familiarity and community trust,” he said.

“You are the shield that will deny these criminals a place to hide. You are tasked with holding ground, gathering actionable intelligence and flushing out criminality ruthlessly.”

Ebea said the recruits had completed two months of training and would be deployed to support the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.

He said the state government, under Governor Monday Okpebholo, had supported the training programme, while commending the recruits for their commitment.

He urged the guards to remain dedicated to their duties and make effective use of their knowledge of local terrain to help security agencies combat kidnapping, terrorism and other criminal activities.

Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Roland Otaru, who administered the oath of office to the recruits, said the initiative was consistent with the provisions of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which places responsibility on government to protect the lives and property of citizens.

Otaru commended President Bola Tinubu and Governor Monday Okpebholo for supporting the initiative, adding that improving security also requires the cooperation of residents.

“The issue of security is not for the government alone as the citizens of Edo State need to support and cooperate with the government and ensure criminals are brought to book,” he said.

The ceremony featured a parade and tactical demonstrations by the graduating forest guards, who displayed skills acquired during the training before government officials, security personnel and invited guests.